The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-04-21

Inc. general JeDOr Oh UHeS0 OuISlVlHSS 10
hat Cleveland will be the Democratic
nominee without scarcely doubt. But
here is question with some OF the more
candid of the persons interviewed, as to
his election. George William Curtis
thinks that the chances will be against
him. while more pronounced Democrats
claim that he will be successful both In
the Convention and the Electoral College.
The drift of positive expression among
Republicans is that Blaine can get the
nomination of his party if he wants it,
Others, however, think differently and
express the belief that Senator Sherman
will show more strength and more winning
points than the Maine statesman. Others,
again, incline to the conclusion that
neither of them will be favored with the |
Convention approval. w. B. Allison, of |
Iowa. is regarded as strong third in the
race, with the certainty of having Blaine's
influence, should that gentleman not be
the man himself. Others still, speak OF
Hawley, of Connecticut, Long, of Mass,
Harrison, of Indiana, ingalls,, of Kansas,
Blair, of New Hampshire, and Foraker,
of Ohio. as promising dark horses. So in
this multiplicity of counsel there is more
or less of confusion and really no posi-
tive lights to guide to a definite conclu-
sion. The difference between the two par
ties. at this stage of the play, is That the
Democrats admit they must nominate
fhoir Of
" ould be desperate. They seem to recog
nize that he has grip on the machine that
cannot be loosened although kickers would
be numerous and fierce. lot to select him
for another trial, would be to condemn
the first Democratic administration with
in quarter of century, and this would
be an admission that the party is inca
pable of governing the country wisely and
safely.
| The Republicans are not confined 10 such
a narrow line. They point to the names
of half dozen or more trained and expe-
rienced statesmen, either one of whom
would receive the support of the rank and
file and probably be elected.
The difference is, however, more pro.
=
uounced when it comes to policies and
principles. The Democrats can agree
upon nothing. While the main strength
of the party, as well as the present admin
istration, is committed to free trade. there
is Democratic contingent that would not
cooperate in fastening that runous policy
upon the country. They are as widely
separated, too, as to the repeal of the in
ternal revenue system las to the tariff laws,
the educational interests, and the finances.
} In their next convention it will be difficult
for them to shape platform. 1t is in this
that Cleveland appears as a necessity
While he is free trader, opposed to the
abolition of the internal revenue sys-
: TEN, pronounced against silver coinage,
and hostile to national aid for popular ed
ucation, yet lie has astrong will that makes
s him leader and AN independent way OF
doing things, that is much needed in a
. party that is so discOrdant. Earring and
S uncertain as to administrative measures
q While this is the condition of the. De
mocracy as to the important public ques
e tions named. the Republicans are substan
/. TALLY united upon all of them. They art
+ for protection to American industries ani
+ American labor; favor the repeal of The
e whole internal revenue system as a relic
l. of the war, and unnecessary for the pur
poses Of government, now that the public
:. debt has been reduced to easy control TO
+ Dimetalic currency, with gold and silve
e coinage of equal intrinsic value; and fo
l. the Blair educational bill, as an act of jus
S tice to the South and Of safety to tn
k Union. Upon these issues the Republican
- Convention of 1888 will be definite an
certain. BIT there are influences to con
i. sider in casting the horoscope of 1885
r. which had not the formidable organize
al force in the past that they have now an,
,e will have hereafter. until finally settled
Senator Allison, the other day. in re
lie spouse to question as to tile prospects @
&c the two great parties of the country i
ia the next Presidential contest, alluded t
J. them in the following terms
lie 1T is too soon to judge with any degre
10 of accuracy at this lime. The indication
= are favorable to republican success, bu
some new elements are now appearing i
lie the elections which make any prophec
n now of little value. l think the republ
m cans ought to succeed, because they Ca
~ administer the Government more in accor
) with the spirit of the times than our Oppt
he nents; tut there is strong element not i
an accord now with either party that as the
go in 1888 may affect the result. If Their
are only two tickets in the field I woult
es have no doubt of our success. If there shou
Sc be three or four the result might
nd changed. But | have faith in our succe!
:, because believe we ought to succeed, ar
H. also because most if not all present indie
On tions are in that direction
y 1t is evident that the distinguisht
Al Senator referred in the above quoted la
= guage to the Labor and Temperance, i
terests. 1t IS not for us to say now no
the Republican Convention of 1883 shou
'"' regard them. There will be wisdom al
" political sagacity sufficient in that body
=, deal with them honestly, fairly and ma
''o fully. They have assumed such importa
'i proportions that it would be stupidity
the most transparent kind not to reco
nd nize them In a definite form.
en Senator Allison already comprehen
u their significance. He strongly intimat
. that they will have potent influence
~ determining the result of the next Pre-
ne Dental election and it may be legitimai
ly Inferred that he sees the necessity
% decided action in reference to them in t
ln- nominating body, with the lights now b
ne fore him. 1t would be precipitate.
o' this time, to assume to outline the exa
- terms of the recognition. That may
~ well entrusted to the assembled wisdo
"u of the Republican party when it conveu
's' 1t will not be considered out of place, no
sn ever, to say that the Republican party /
ICY never yet dallied with or evaded any {
n9 sential, broad issue affecting administl
" tion, or the policy of the government.
iiu has had the courage to blaze the way
=" all the political reforms which ha
- marked the nation for the past quar-
que of century. DiscarLing the things
'ne the past, it has marched forward in ,
ns trodden paths, grasped and mastered ,
pa solved problems, and addressed itself
III